The Town will increase the level of snow and ice clearing on sidewalks leading from seniors’ residences into downtown beginning in October 2016. Council had asked for an update of when the increased service, approved at the February 22 meeting, could be expected to begin. Taking into account the time needed to purchase equipment and hire staff, the increased service is expected to be ready by winter this year.
Council approved a scope of work for the Deer Lane affordable rental housing development. A scope of work is for architects/builders to use as a guide when coming up with construction costs. Items outlined in the scope of work will not all necessarily appear in the final building, but are used as a guide for development. Council voted to have a mix of units with 20% of the floor area ratio studio apartments, 50% one bedrooms and 20% two bedrooms. The studios will be at minimum 300 sq. ft., one bedrooms 425 sq. ft. (+ or - 10%) and two bedrooms 600 sq. ft. (+ or - 10%). Five percent of the units will be designated as barrier free, and the building will be constructed to maximize the floor area ratio. At least 60% of units will have a personal amenity space, i.e. a balcony, and the rest of the required amenity space could be picnic areas, a playground, greenhouse or garden. Units will have a basic kitchen package (no dishwasher) and storage and consideration is being made to having additional storage space available for a fee. Pay, communal laundry will be onsite and an elevator will be included in the building. The intent is to build underground parking optimized by using policy C122, and to keep rental costs down, parking will be available to rent for those who require it. The building won’t necessarily be built to LEED Silver standards, but it will include many green initiatives. In addition to approving the scope of work, council also directed administration to proceed with the RFP process for the affordable housing project, serviced through debt financing.
Council voted to postpone voting on the Employee Compensation and Benefits Policy C2001 so amendments can be added defining “comparative markets.”
Council also postponed a briefing on the progress on the second year recommendations from the Banff Community Social Assessment until the March 29 meeting of council.